MLB Player News

The Nationals optioned Barrera to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday.

Barrera's demotion comes after the Nationals had their game Wednesday against the Phillies postponed due to 12 positive COVID-19 cases within the Washington organization. Since Barrera is being optioned rather than placed on the COVID-19 injured list, he seemingly isn't one of the four players who has reportedly tested positive for the virus. Instead, the Nationals' decision to send Barrera back to the minors could signal that one of the team's two injured catchers -- Yan Gomes (oblique) and Alex Avila (calf) -- may be ready to return from the IL when Washington and Philadelphia return to action Thursday with a doubleheader. Barrera had been serving as Washington's No. 1 backstop since the All-Star break, slashing .323/.382/.484 through 10 second-half games.

Smith went 2-for-4 with a triple, two RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's 8-0 win over the Giants.

Smith singled his first time up and then later roped a triple into right-center field that brought home two runs. Smith also crossed home himself as part of a four-run third inning for the Dodgers. The 26-year-old has picked up his play lately, slashing .314/.415/.771 with four homers, 16 RBI, seven runs scored, a steal and 4:8 BB:K over his last 10 games.

Contreras isn't starting Wednesday against Cincinnati.

Contreras drew starts in each of the last four games, but he'll get a chance to regroup after he went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts Tuesday. Robinson Chirinos will start behind the dish and bat seventh.

Leon went 2-for-5 with a three-run home run and an additional RBI during Tuesday's 7-3 win over the Orioles.

The 32-year-old caught for Sandy Alcantara in Baltimore and launched his third home run of the season. Leon has struggled for the most part offensively with a .487 OPS in 2021, though he's 5-for-18 with a homer, a double, five RBI and three runs in his past six appearances. Neither he nor Jorge Alfaro have done enough at the plate to warrant fantasy consideration.

Narvaez went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run, four RBI and another run scored during Tuesday's victory against the Pirates.

Narvaez opened up the scoring with a 366-foot shot against Luis Oviedo in the first frame. He stayed hot in the second by swatting a two-run single. Despite somewhat of a lack of consistency, the 29-year-old backstop now has nine long balls this season while slashing a healthy .289/.380/.452.

Marchan was demoted to Double-A Reading on Tuesday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Marchan spent some time with the big-league club in May and June, slashing .278/.316/.333 across 19 plate appearances. He's hit just .200 since being demoted to Triple-A in late June, which likely prompted this latest demotion.

D'Arnaud (thumb) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment later this week, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

The 32-year-old recently joined Atlanta on its current road trip and was participating in baseball activities, and he's now set to depart the team for his rehab assignment. D'Arnaud has been sidelined since the start of May after undergoing thumb surgery, so he'll likely require at least a handful of appearances in the minors before being activated.

Nola is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Athletics, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The 31-year-old has gone 0-for-6 with a pair of walks in two games since returning from the injured list. Victor Caratini will once again start behind the dish as San Diego begins its series against Oakland.

McCann is not in the starting lineup Tuesday against Atlanta.

McCann got a rest during Game 1 of Monday's twin bill, and he'll now sit for the third time in four games Tuesday. Tomas Nido will work behind the dish and bat seventh.

Barnhart is not starting Tuesday's game against the Cubs.

An 0-for-4 effort Monday lowered Barnhart's average to .167 in eight games since the All-Star break. He has drawn only one walk and driven in just one run in that span. Tyler Stephenson will start behind the dish and bat third Tuesday.